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I've been looking at how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting Ontario's most vulnerable, particularly people experiencing homelessness or precarious housing, or those living with mental illness including addiction. Don't normally do the *THREAD* thing but there's much to talk about
First of all, consider this: Spaces where ppl experiencing homelessness might typically spend their time - public libraries, churches, day programs, even park benches- are suddenly off-limits. A community health doctor told me someone said they "didn't even have a place to sh*t."
Yes, some cities have installed porta-potties. "But where's the dignity in that?" asks Dr. Nanky Rai of Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre in Toronto. She says her street-based clients repeatedly tell her they feel like the rest of society sees them as "disposable"
Many emergency shelters are not exactly conducive to physical distancing guidelines. Clients usually sleep in close proximity to each other; meals often communal. Generally, this has stopped. A number of Ontario cities have opened extra shelter space to ease pressure on capacity.
In Cobourg, a high school has become the site of a shelter, to accommodate physical distancing. In Kingston, an old retirement home is being used. In Toronto, the city has leased hotel rooms and plans to lease more. But some argue it's too little too late.
In Toronto, as of Monday, there were four people in shelter system that have tested positive, and one employee. These numbers will increase. https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2020/03/30/first-homeless-shelter-worker-tests-positive-for-covid-19-sparking-calls-for-increased-protection.html
Like seniors, street-based people--who generally have a shorter life expectancy than the rest of the population--could be more susceptible to infection. Many smoke and could be at higher risk for respiratory illness. This is why the stakes are so high in shelter system.
And what happens if employees get sick? These are the people responsible for ensuring safe and clean living spaces for our most vulnerable. In smaller municipalities, closing even one shelter is not an option. It's a choice no shelter wants to make.
The governments (fed and prov) have stepped in and promised funding. Feds have announced about $200 million for shelters. Province $150 million for social service providers including shelters and food banks. But these places still need help. Food banks in particular.
If you're able to, consider making a donation to your local food bank or shelter. In smaller communities, I am already hearing concern about what happens if the money runs out..? It is more expensive to resource these places right now because of the demands of the health crisis.
(And while donations are needed, I am told that donating tangible food items is discouraged. Donate online and there's no risk of spreading any germs!) @FeedOntario @salvationarmy @foodbankscanada
If you want to read more about how homeless shelters have been impacted by the crisis https://www.tvo.org/article/we-have-to-be-there-how-ontarios-shelters-are-dealing-with-the-covid-19-crisis
If you want to know more about its impact on people with substance use disorders https://www.tvo.org/article/battling-addiction-while-the-province-battles-covid-19
You can also see me on @TheAgenda tonight at 8pm talking about these issues (and others) https://twitter.com/TheAgenda/status/1246147976910843908
I could go on and on about this but I won't. Not now anyway. Have a safe and pleasant weekend everyone!
